Yes, they do. It’s quite rare, but some people have underlying conditions that can make them more susceptible to frequent bruising than others.

Our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team further explains below, so keep reading!

What Is a Bruise, Exactly?

Before understanding why people bruise more often than others, it’s important to know what a bruise actually is first. Bruising happens when blood vessels beneath the skin pop as a result of force or trauma. Blood pools beneath the skin when they pop, causing discoloration that is commonly brown, blue, yellow, black, green or red.

Bruises are easily treated and rarely need medical attention to fully heal. If you get a bruise, follow the steps below to appropriately treat it.

How to Treat Bruises

• Cold compress. If bruising has caused pain and swelling, applying a cold compress is step one. Remember to put a barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the cold object and skin. Place the compress on yours or your child’s skin for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Elevation. If an arm or leg is involved, elevate the limb and apply a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, or until the swelling is reduced.
• Over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen.

Why Do Some Bruise Easier Than Others?

Underlying conditions like a low platelet count can sometimes be the reason, but one of the most common reasons is increased age. As you get older, the fatty layer beneath your skin thins out, causing blood vessels to weaken and become more vulnerable to injury. Blood vessels that are weaker provide less protection against a knock against a table or chair, resulting in easier bruising.

If you aren’t very old and still bruise a lot, there are other explanations as to why that happens, and we’ve listed them below.

Reasons You May Bruise Easier

• Medications. Certain medications, like blood thinners, antibiotics and steroids, can contribute to your blood not being able to clot as well, which can leave you prone to bruising.
• Family history. Not only do things like freckles and moles run in the family, but frequent bruising can, too. Plus, women usually have more delicate blood vessels, which can lead to more bruising.
• Too much sun. Years and years of spending lots of time in the sun without adequate sunscreen protection can weaken the walls of your blood vessels, which can make them vulnerable to damage that leads to bruises.

Have further questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team today!